Khalid Tawalbeh
Doha
In the heart of Doha, where a modern skyline meets the echoes of tradition, there resides a man whose life story intertwines with the rich tapestry of Qatar’s cultural heritage.
Meet Hamad Abo Zeria, a distinguished 67-year-old Palestinian resident of Doha for over 35 years. Ahead of Eid Al-Fitr, Hamad’s mind digs into a treasure trove of memories, each one a glimpse into the past reflecting on the present.
Hamad’s journey began four decades ago when he arrived in Doha to teach English language, a profession that would become his passion and purpose. “I remember those early days vividly,” Hamad recalls with a nostalgic smile. “The streets were quieter, the pace of life slower. Eid was a time when the whole community came alive with joy and celebration.”
In the past, Eid used to be a grand affair filled with vibrant traditions that brought families and neighbours together. “Back then,” Hamad reminisces, “the call to prayer, the adhan, would ring out before dawn, signalling the start of a day steeped in prayer and festivity. We would gather at the mosque, dressed in our finest, to offer our prayers and exchange warm greetings.”
After the prayers, the streets would come alive with the hustle and bustle of families visiting one another, sharing in the joy of the occasion. “The tradition of ‘bayt bayt’ was especially dear to us,” Hamad shares. “We would visit each other’s homes, enjoying the hospitality and warmth of our neighbours. Traditional delicacies like ‘qatayef’ and ‘maamoul’ filled our tables, along with the aroma of freshly brewed Arabian coffee.”
As the years passed and Qatar evolved into the dynamic metropolis it is today, Hamad witnessed the changes firsthand. “The skyline transformed, technology advanced, and the pace of life quickened,” he reflects. “But amidst it all, the spirit of Eid remained unchanged. Qatar has done a remarkable job of preserving its traditions, and I am grateful to have been a witness to this evolution.”
Now retired from his teaching career, Hamad spends his days reflecting on his homeland of Palestine, particularly his hometown of Beit Lahem. “I miss the days in Beit Lahem,” he says wistfully. “The rolling hills, the bustling markets, and the sense of community that permeated every corner. Eid in Palestine was a sight to behold, with colourful decorations adorning the streets and families coming together in celebration.”
Despite the physical distance from his homeland, Hamad keeps the traditions of Palestine alive in his heart. “I may be far from Beit Lahem, but the memories and traditions are always with me,” he says. “During Eid, I make sure to prepare Palestinian dishes like ‘maqluba’ and ‘knafeh’, connecting me to my roots and allowing me to share a piece of my heritage with my friends here in Doha.”
As Eid Al-Fitr is here once again, Hamad looks at the festivities with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. “Eid is a time to cherish our traditions, to connect with loved ones, and to reflect on the blessings in our lives,” he shares. “Whether in Palestine or Qatar, the spirit of Eid is universal—it is a time of unity, generosity, and gratitude.”
In the midst of the modernity and progress of Doha, Hamad Abo Zeria stands as a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving cultural heritage. As he prepares to celebrate another Eid in the vibrant city he now calls home, Hamad’s heart is filled with gratitude for the memories of the past and the joys of the present.
As the sun sets on the eve of Eid Al-Fitr in Doha, Hamad Abo Zeria looks out at the city with a sense of contentment and belonging. “Doha has been my home for over four decades,” he says, a smile gracing his face. “And while I may be far from Palestine, this city has embraced me with open arms. Here, amidst the towering skyscrapers and bustling streets, I have found a second home—a place where traditions are honoured, memories are cherished, and the spirit of Eid continues to thrive.”
Hamad’s eyes twinkle with nostalgia as he recalls the Eid celebrations of his youth, the laughter of children echoing through the streets, and the warmth of community that defined those special days. “In Palestine, Eid was a time of magic,” he muses, his voice filled with longing. “The markets were bustling with activity, families prepared feasts fit for kings, and the air was filled with the scent of rosewater and spices.”
Despite the passage of time, Hamad finds comfort in the enduring traditions that still hold firm in Qatar. “While the landscape may have changed, the heart of Eid remains the same,” he remarks. “The spirit of generosity and hospitality that defined Eid in Palestine is alive and well here in Doha. I am grateful to be part of a community that values tradition and embraces diversity.”
As he prepares to celebrate another Eid in Doha, Hamad’s thoughts turn to his students—the countless young minds he had the privilege to teach over the years. “Teaching English was more than a job for me,” he says with pride. “It was a way to connect with the younger generation, to share knowledge and wisdom. Many of my former students have gone on to achieve great things, and I am filled with pride to have played a small role in their journey.”
As the sun sets, Hamad Abo Zeria gazes out at the city with a sense of peace and contentment. “I am blessed to call this city my home,” he says, his voice filled with gratitude. “Here, amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life, I have found a sense of belonging and purpose. As I gather with friends and loved ones to celebrate Eid, I am reminded of the beauty of diversity and the strength of community.”
In the warmth of the Eid atmosphere, surrounded by laughter and joy, Hamad Abo Zeria takes a moment to offer a silent prayer of thanks. “Ya Allah,” he whispers, his heart overflowing with emotion. “Thank you for the blessings of this life, for the memories that sustain me, and for the love that surrounds me. May this Eid be a time of peace, happiness, and unity for all.
As the echoes of the adhan fill the air, signalling the end of another day of fasting, Hamad Abo Zeria smiles, his heart full. “Eid Mubarak,” he says, his voice carrying across the city. “May this Eid bring joy, blessings, and prosperity to all.”
